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Can anyone give me some advice please? My Patagonian Conure (called Cinton, who we previously thought was male) has laid 2 eggs. I was advised some time ago by a parrot behaviourist that she should be given a roosting box, so I had one specially made for her and I have to say she does seem to love it and it has made her much more content. However, I wonder if it has encouraged her egg-laying behaviour? (I really don't want to take it away from her, as it seems to have made her much happier).

However, my main question is do I leave the eggs with her and let her sit on them until she gets bored, or should I remove them? I have looked on the net and see both options advised by various people. I understand that it is quite dangerous for parrots to lay eggs due to calcium deficiency or calcium poisoning if they get egg bound. I am worried that if I take the eggs away, this will stimulate her to lay more, but she seems quite obsessed with them and is sitting on them constantly at the moment and I'm not sure if this is good for her either.

One further question - should I give her calcium supplements after laying the eggs, and if so, which is the best one?

Don't panic. I suspect the nesting box has encouraged the laying, but now that it has happened, there's not much that you can do to change things. It might be worth removing it when things have settled down. Am I right in assuming that Cinton's eggs are infertile or is there a risk that she has been with a male conure? Regardless, most BL folk advise not to remove the eggs until she gets bored of them. If you remove them, it will likely stimulate her to lay more and then she will be at increased risk of calcium deficiency.

As you say, there are a number of calcium preparations available, it doesn't really matter which you use, I use calcivet for our boys. If you ring Scarlett's parrot essentials, she will advise you what she has that's readily available and easy to use.

One thing you do need to make sure is that Cinton is getting enough to eat and drink, as if she is obsessed with her eggs she may not want to leave them. It might be worth moving her bowls to make sure that she gets enough.

I hope that helps and well done to your little girl on becoming a little lady

Thanks for your reply (by the way her name is Clinton - that was a typo ).

I must admit I don't want to take the roosting box away, as she seems so much more content and happier since she has had it - I think sometimes you have to make a decision between an animal's happiness and any slight risk that you may be taking, and I would choose their happiness every time.

You are correct in assuming that Clinton's eggs are infertile and I am pleased to hear that you advise leaving the eggs until she gets bored with them - that was my preferred route.

I will order her some Calcivet to ensure that her calcium levels are OK.

She is eating - when I sit next to her cage and talk to her she comes out to see me and fills up with food while she's out, so I think she will be fine in that respect.

Patagonians are happiest in a flock, more than most other breeds. They eat, sleep, roost, and breed, all in large flocks in the wild. It might help Clinton to have a friend, not necessarily a male, just another Patty to play with. I agree with Helen, leave eggs well alone, and add calcium to the diet, as well as Calcivet or Zolcal-D in the water. Something for you to consider. Doddie

very interesting post about eggs. I now know what to do (and not to do) if any of my hen birds start laying. They all get rather 'unnecessary' this time of year if you not what I mean but my only bonded pair are having a bit of hiatus. They are normally at it every time you look at them. Maybe that was the 'getting to know you phase' : )

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